Current distribution, regeneration and management practice of Hagenia abyssinica in different agroforestry systems of Ethiopia: A review

Abstract

Hagenia abyssinica is a multipurpose tree, which is sparsely distributed in the highland of Ethiopia. It is used for illness remedy, furniture, fuel, and as a soil additive. This review provides information on the present status and management practice of H. abyssinica in Ethiopia to give urgency care other than that given to introduced species for future conservation. The foliage and flowers have a higher quality of N and P for managing soil fertility. However, market availability is diminished. Its healing potential is widely accepted within the society and it is one of the dominant plants in the Boda Montane and Gole Forest. The plant in Hararge of Ethiopia is highly threatened through settlement changes and agriculture expansion. The Gemechis and Menagesha Amba Mariam forest is comprised of seedlings and saplings, but the Chilimo and Gole Natural Forest shows poor regeneration. The Doshke and Gedo forest is represented by aged trees; and the species is under risk. In some areas of Kofele, Bale, Holeta, Legambo and Debark of Ethiopia, it is cultivated in the homegardens for multiuse. Therefore, the diversity is highly shrinking and urgent actions will be needed to conserve it.

Population Status of <i>Hagenia abyssinica</i> and <i>Myrica salicifolia</i>: A Reflection from Rungwe District, Mbeya Region, Tanzania

“…However, the species tended to decrease as the altitudes were getting to the peak, which is probably due to poor edaphic factors Moreover, the tendency of species displaying linear pattern adjacent rivers may indicate that these plants require high soil moisture content and that in drier areas these species survival could be uncertain. These findings relate to those reported by [38] who associated the growth of Hagenia abyssinica with fertile and moist soils. Also, similar findings are reported in studies conducted in Ethiopia which confirm that Myrica salicifolia was found to be highly threatened by prolonged drought although other factors including anthropogenic activities contributed as well [6] [36].…”